Norway Archives - The Cult of Calcio

Luciano Spalletti, an Honorable Exit for a Wounded Man

June 9, 2025 Matteo Carnevale Italian Football, Italy, Norway, Serie A, Tactical Trends, World Cup Leave a comment

When a spontaneous round of applause erupted following Luciano Spalletti’s departure from yesterday’s press conference - where he announced his dismissal - most people in the room must have felt that, even though a change at the helm of the Azzurri was necessary, nobody wanted it to end like this.

Luciano Spalletti addressed several topics related to the Azzurri and Serie A in a lengthy interview: “President Gravina convinced me in one afternoon."

Spalletti Announces He Will Leave Italy Job in Emotional Press Conference

June 8, 2025 Matteo Carnevale Italian Football, Italy, Norway, Serie A, World Cup Leave a comment

Luciano Spalletti will no longer be Italy's coach after tomorrow's World Cup Qualifiers game against Moldova. He announced it himself during today's press conference ahead of the match, highlighting that he was relieved of his duties by the Italian Football Association (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina. A few minutes later, Spalletti almost broke in tears and left the press conference room.

Italy’s Shameful Loss to Norway Calls for Drastic Changes

June 7, 2025 Matteo Carnevale International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Norway, Serie A, Tactical Trends, World Cup Leave a comment

The bad omens materialized, and it went even worse than expected. As Italy approached their opening World Cup qualifier against Norway, the atmosphere in the Azzurri camp was tense. You looked in our players’ eyes, and you sensed it. And, if a team like Italy approach such a game with fear and tension, that already tells a great deal about what we have become. The pitch doesn’t lie and, inevitably, confirmed all those ominous presages.

Luciano Spalletti and Aurelio De Laurentiis continue to be at odds following the coach’s sudden exit after winning the Scudetto two years ago.

Italy Player Ratings vs Norway: Azzurri Hit Rock Bottom

June 7, 2025 Marko Vrakela International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Norway, Serie A, World Cup Leave a comment

Italy could not have imagined a worse way to commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign as Norway thrashed them 3-0 in Oslo. A one-sided first half at the Ullevaal Stadium saw the rising Scandinavian superpower set the tone for their first win over the Italians since 2000.

2026 World Cup Qualifiers Preview: Norway vs Italy – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction

June 5, 2025 Marko Vrakela International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Norway, Serie A, The Azzurri, World Cup Leave a comment

Italy head to Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo to take on Norway in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night. Embroiled in UEFA Nations League action in March, Gli Azzurri remain the only team in qualifying Group I yet to play a game in the ongoing cycle.

Italy's 0-1 loss to Norway means that the Azzurrini will miss the Olympic pass again. Paolo Nicolato's stint as Italy U-21 coach could not have ended worse

Italy vs Norway 0-1: Botheim Strike Condems Azzurrini to Euro U-21 Exit

June 28, 2023 Matteo Carnevale International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Norway, Serie A, Under 21, Under 21 European Championship

Italy's 0-1 loss to Norway means that the Azzurrini will miss the Olympic pass for the fourth time in a row. Paolo Nicolato's four-year stint as the Italy U-21 coach could not have ended worse.

Italy U21 Coach Nicolato Speaks Ahead of Norway Showdown

June 28, 2023 Akhil Fisher Italy, Serie A, The Azzurri

Italy U21 coach Paolo Nicolato is aware of the uncertainty that surrounds potential progression for not only them, but also France and Switzerland as the final group matchday beckons.

Roma have wrapped up the negotiation for the first January signing, as they have struck a deal with Bodo/Glimt winger Ola Solbakken.

Solbakken on Likely Roma Move: “It’s a Big League and Big Club”

November 16, 2022 Akhil Fisher Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Roma have looked to sign Ola Solbakken ever since he helped Bodo/Glimt dispatch them 6-1 in last season’s UEFA Europa Conference League group stage encounter. He is set to join the capital outfit in January.

In Round 2 of the Nations League, it was the Cristiano Ronaldo show in Stockholm as the Juventus ace scored a brace to get to 101 goals for Portugal

Nations League Round Two Recap: Cristiano Ronaldo Does It Again!

September 9, 2020 Awais Khan Euro 2020, Europa! Europa!, Italian Football, Nations League

The second round of the Nations League saw Cristiano Ronaldo stealing the stage but there was much more that happened both on and off the pitch. The international break ended just like it began, unable to answer how the coronavirus pandemic can be managed in football. Kylian Mbappé was the notable casualty of national duty, though he will soon return to action.

Tag: Norway